Electric Vehicle Battery Latch Mechanism for Rapid Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicles with permanent batteries face challenges in quick battery exchange due to misalignment issues between battery and vehicle connectors, leading to increased complexity and cost, and the long recharge time limits their travel range.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for quickly exchanging battery packs in electric vehicles, featuring a battery bay with a frame integrated into the vehicle body, latch mechanisms, and a transmission assembly driven by an electric motor for simultaneous rotation of latches, allowing for rapid engagement and disengagement of battery packs, and a shielding mechanism to prevent electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If both power connections and data connections are included in the same electrical connection system, then the connection system is integrated and simplified, but electromagnetic interference occurs between the high voltage power connection and data connection
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into separate power connection and data connection components. The power connection handles high voltage electrical signals while the data connection handles low voltage signals, physically separating them to eliminate electromagnetic interference while maintaining an integrated overall connection system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary shielding structure or spatial arrangement is introduced between the power connection and data connection elements. This intermediary component blocks or redirects electromagnetic fields from the high voltage power connection, preventing interference with the sensitive data connection while allowing both connections to coexist in the same system
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connectors are moved far apart from each other to prevent interference, then electromagnetic interference is eliminated, but two separate connection assemblies are required which adds cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The power connection and data connection are merged into a single integrated electrical connection assembly. By combining both connection types in one unified structure with proper internal spacing and shielding, the system eliminates the need for separate connection assemblies, reducing overall complexity and cost while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility
3Object-generated harmful factors
If batteries are used to power electric vehicles, then clean technology is achieved and fossil fuel dependence is reduced, but batteries are costly and add up to 40% to the vehicle cost
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into a separate removable battery pack that can be independently owned and maintained. This separates the battery ownership from the vehicle ownership, allowing the battery to be treated as a standalone component that can be upgraded, replaced, or financed separately, thereby reducing the upfront vehicle cost while maintaining clean technology benefits
4Object-generated harmful factors
If present battery technology is used, then electric vehicles can be powered with clean energy, but the energy density is not comparable to gasoline and travel range is limited to about 40 miles
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system transitions from a static, fixed installation to a dynamic, rapidly exchangeable configuration. The quick exchange mechanism allows the battery pack to be quickly replaced at charging stations, enabling the vehicle to maintain operational availability and effectively extend the usable travel range by minimizing downtime during battery replacement, thus overcoming the limited range of current battery technology
5Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are recharged overnight, then batteries can be fully charged, but the charging time lasts numerous hours and is not an option on long journeys
Solution Approach 1:
The battery charging process is performed in advance at centralized charging stations or during periods when the vehicle is not in use. The quick exchange mechanism allows pre-charged batteries to be rapidly swapped into the vehicle, eliminating the need for on-demand charging during travel and enabling long journeys without significant time loss
6Strength
If latch mechanisms are used to retain the battery pack, then secure mechanical coupling is achieved, but misalignment between battery and vehicle connectors creates engagement challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The connector alignment is performed in advance through guide pins, alignment features, or self-aligning mechanisms that automatically position the battery connectors with the vehicle connectors before final engagement. This preliminary alignment action ensures that even with manufacturing tolerances or installation variations, the connectors will properly engage without manual adjustment, maintaining both secure coupling and ease of operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick battery exchange in less than one minute, reducing the need for lengthy recharging and lowering vehicle costs by separating battery ownership from the vehicle, thus enhancing travel range and reducing ownership costs.
Implementation Method 1
The high voltage power connection creates electromagnetic interference with the data connection if the connections are in close proximity. The data connection and power connection can be moved far apart from each other such that they do not interfere.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A battery system for an electric vehicle, comprising: a battery bay (108), for receiving a battery pack (104), located on an underside of the electric vehicle, said battery bay comprising: a first latch at the underside of the electric vehicle, the first latch (1016) comprising a first hook (1928) configured to mechanically engage a first striker (1924) at a first end of the battery pack; and a second latch at the underside of the electric vehicle, the second latch (1018) comprising a second hook configured to mechanically engage a second striker at a second end of the battery pack, wherein the first latch and the second latch are configured to mechanically couple the battery pack to the underside of the electric vehicle by engaging, vertically lifting, and locking the first and second strikers of the battery pack to the electric vehicle substantially simultaneously.